Where is the red fox originally from?

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) originated in Eurasia and appears to have evolved from smaller-sized species in the Middle Villafranchian period. The earliest fossils of the fox were discovered in Hungary dating from 3.4-1.8 million years ago. Red foxes colonized North America in 2 waves--during or before the Illinoian Glaciation and during the Wisconsinan Glaciation. Red foxes in North America have been isolated from their old-world counterparts for about 400,000 years.

They have spread to every continent except Antarctica--it is the most wide-spread carnivore in the world and has the largest distribution of any land mammal other than humans. They are extremely adaptable, omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, and have commonly followed human settlements, often by deliberate introduction. The earliest fossil remains of the modern species date back to the mid-Pleistocene in association with the refuse of early human settlements. This has led to the theory that the red fox was hunted by primitive humans as both a source of food and pelts. It can thrive in cities and the countryside. In 2006, it was estimated that there were 10,000 red foxes in London.

The prototypical red fox has an auburn coat, long black legs, and a fluffy tail ending in a white patch, although many other wild color phases have been documented. Other than grey foxes, the red fox typically dominates other fox species, such as the arctic fox. There are about 47 recognized subspecies of the red fox.